A number of conditions may cause joint pain in dogs, from arthritis or hip dysplasia to injuries sustained from something like a fall or crash. If your dog has joint problems, there is likely not a cure for the problem but there are a number of things you can do to make your dog happy and comfortable, and minimize pain. Work with your vet to develop a proper medical treatment plan for your dog. At home, set up a comfortable environment for them and make sure to provide them with plenty of attention to keep them happy and healthy as they deal with their joint problems.

Steps

Method1

Seeking Medical Help

1

Make a vet appointment. Different types of arthritis are the most common cause of joint pain in dogs, but there are a number of conditions aside from arthritis that may also cause joint pain. Your vet can best diagnose and recommend treatment for the specific problems troubling your dog.[1]

Prior to your vet appointment, make note of the types of symptoms associated with your dog’s joint. Take note of things like your dog struggling to walk or walking slower, the inability to get up and down off of the sofa, excessive trembling, falling, or tipping over. Also note where your dog seems to experience problems, such as around the hips or along the legs.

Also make note of any other irregular symptoms that may be accompanying your dog’s joint problems. Are they experiencing disorientation, loss of appetite, or anything else outside of their typical behavior?

When you meet with your vet, inform them of the symptoms you have observed, and ask them what types of treatments they recommend.

2

Schedule follow-up visits. If your dog’s joint pain is the result of a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your vet about scheduling follow up visits to monitor your dog’s condition and adjust treatment as necessary. Your vet will be able to recommend a proper check-up schedule.[2]

Many vets will want to see a pet every three to six months for minor to moderate conditions, and may recommend more often for dogs suffering from severe or debilitating joint problems.

3

Ask about medication. Your vet may be able to prescribe medication to help alleviate your dog’s joint pain. The type of medication needed will depend on the cause of your dog’s joint pain, so medication should only be administered after receiving a vet’s prescription.[3]

Natural supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with joint problems and help prevent further deterioration. You do not need a prescription for these supplements, but you should still ask your vet about proper doses for your dog’s size.

4

See a chiropractor. A veterinary chiropractor may be able to relieve some of the pain your dog experiences. Ask your vet for a referral or recommendation, and schedule a preliminary appointment with a chiropractor to see if they can help your pet.[4]

When you visit the chiropractor, let them know about the symptoms your dog has been experiencing. Provide them with the same list of observations you gave to your vet, and also let them know about any medication or supplements your dog is currently taking.

Method2

Setting Up a Comfortable Environment

1

Create a space for your dog. Set up a space for your dog that they can easily navigate without too much trouble. This should include at minimum a dog bed selected for your dog’s comfort, nearby food and water, and a pet training pad for potty emergencies and accidents.[5]

Your dog’s bed should be soft and comfortable but not so padded that your dog struggles to get out of it. Many pet owners find that a heated bed helps greatly for dogs with joint pain.

If you have a large dog, you may want to consider a raised bed that enables them to get in and out without having bend as much. Raised food and water dishes, such as those that fit into a bench, are also recommended.

2

Choose the right food. Joint pain can be exacerbated by excess weight. Choose a dog food that will help keep your dog at a healthy weight. If you have a senior dog, opt for a senior dog food, which also often contains ingredients to help joints.[6]

If your dog is not elderly, make sure you are using a size-appropriate dog food. Larger dogs have different nutritional needs than smaller dogs.

Many pet food companies also offer healthy weight formulas, purpose-made to help nourish dogs struggling with their weight.

If you live in a cold climate, keep the temperature inside your house warm enough for your dog’s comfort. Equip your dog with a jacket and shoes if you need to take it out in snowy or cold conditions.

If you take your dog out in the rain or snow, towel your dog dry once you are back inside and make sure the room is warm enough to keep your dog comfortable.

4

Make yourself accessible. You are a major source of comfort for your dog, so it is important to make sure you are as physically accessible to your dog as you were before they began experiencing joint problems. Ensure your dog has ways to access you in the areas you permit.[8]

If you typically allow your dog on the furniture or in your bed but they can no longer get up and down from these areas, consider investing in a furniture staircase for dogs, or help your dog up and down as necessary.

If you typically do not let your dog on the furniture, take time every day to be down on the floor playing with or petting them. Your attention helps keep your dog relaxed as they transition to their new care routine.

Method3

Caring for the Dog at Home

1

Get some daily exercise. Joint pain may prevent a dog from going on long walks or playing for an extended period of time, but it is important to ensure that they get some exercise every day. Take your dog on short walks in nearby areas, and end the walk when you notice your dog slowing or struggling.[9]

Depending upon your dog’s overall mobility, it may be advisable to avoid areas like dog parks and dog beaches, as other well-meaning dogs may be too quick or rough for your dog to handle.

Play games such as fetch and tug-of-war in the home, too, to help keep your dog from getting stiff throughout the day.

2

Gently massage your dog’s joints. Giving your dog a gentle joint massage for five to ten minutes every day can help relieve some of their pain and keep them from getting too stiff. Give your dog short messages in the areas that bother them most.[10]

Gently massage your dog’s muscles in small, circular motions along the areas where they experience regular pain. Firmness should be only slightly greater than what you use to pet or scratch your dog.

Support your dog during the massage by wrapping your arm under their stomach and helping them stand, if necessary.

Try not to rub areas that currently aggravated. If you notice your dog wince or express pain, stop massaging that area immediately.

3

Avoid physical punishment. If you are a dog owner who swats their dog for an accident or rubs their nose in the mess, adopt a non-physical form of punishment. Acting physically against your dog may rapidly increase joint pain and could cause greater damage.[11]

You may consider not giving the dog a regular treat as a part of punishment, but never deprive them of food, water, or other basic necessities such as shelter.

If your dog has regular accidents, consider getting indoor training pad meant specifically to be thrown away after your dog to does their business.

4

Pay attention to your dog daily. As your dog experiences new joint problems, the way in which you play and interact with them may change. You may have to spend less time playing rough and more time simply petting or showing affection to your dog. Regardless, you should show your dog support by ensuring they get attention every day.[12]

Spend the same amount of time you would have typically spent with you dog before they began having joint problems. You may be doing different activities, but you don’t need to cut back on time with your dog because of their joints.

If your dog is no longer able to run and play, try lower impact activities such as slow-paced games of fetch in the house, or even taking your dog for a swim.